Sony to Deliver Six Online Games in 2003

According to sources attending Sony Computer Entertainment America's annual retailer show Destination PlayStation this week, the PS2-manufacturer confirmed it will release at least six first-party online PS2 games in 2003.

Though none of the games were confirmed, and SCEA representatives will not comment on rumors, several sources have indicated to IGN that Syphon Filter Online and Arc the Lad Online are among the possible them, and will be announced at E3 this May.

News from Sony's Korean conference yesterday backed up the speculation. Sony is in the works with as many as eight titles for that region, including SOCOM US Navy Seals, Arc the Lad Online, Resident Evil Online (Capcom), Online Bomberman (Hudson), Hardware (a car-combat game from SCEE that debuted at E3 2002), Syphon Filter Online, Breaker (Capcom), and numerous EA Sports games.

SCEA also announced at Destination PlayStation that it plans to charge third-parties a 15% royalty for online titles. The exclusive retailers show, held in Miami, Fla. took place over a three-day period this week.